Launch your dental career with free online training. Delaware dental assistants earn $47,110+ annually. Study at your pace, pay only when you're ready to certify.
Featured Image
800 x 600 recommended
Average Salary
$47,110/year
Job Growth
6 (2024-2034)
Dental Practices
550+
Population 65+
20.1
Training Cost
FREE
First State offers excellent opportunities for dental assistants with 550+ dental practices and a population where 20.1 are over 65.
Delaware dental assistants earn $47,110 annually on average, with experienced DAs earning $50,000 - $57,000.
6 projected job growth through 2034 as dental care demand increases across Delaware.
Complete training in 4-8 weeks online. No prior experience needed. Start your dental career fast.
Delaware requires dental assistants to be registered with the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. Delaware offers Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) credentials for advanced clinical procedures.
Delaware requires dental assistants to complete a Board-approved radiography course and pass the DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. Radiography certification is separate from DA registration and must be maintained with continuing education requirements.
Largest market, Philadelphia commuter area
State capital, government employees
Resort communities, seasonal variations
University of Delaware influence
Delaware offers diverse dental employment opportunities from DSO networks to academic institutions.
Employees: 150+
Facilities: 8+ locations
Location: Multiple DE locations
National DSO with Delaware presence offering structured career development.
View Careers →Employees: 75+
Facilities: 5 practices
Location: New Castle County
Established multi-location practice group serving northern Delaware.
View Careers →Employees: 200+
Facilities: 7 locations
Location: Throughout Delaware
Federally qualified health center providing comprehensive dental care statewide.
View Careers →Employees: 100+
Facilities: 3 locations
Location: Southern Delaware
Community health center serving Sussex County and surrounding areas.
View Careers →Employees: 75+
Facilities: 3 locations
Location: Wilmington area
Delaware's largest health system with dental services.
View Careers →Employees: 25+
Facilities: 1 clinic
Location: Georgetown
Teaching clinic associated with dental hygiene program.
View Careers →Employees: 50+
Facilities: 3 locations
Location: Northern Delaware
National DSO with growing Delaware presence.
View Careers →Employees: 800+
Facilities: 450+ practices
Location: Statewide
Diverse private practices across Delaware's three counties.
View Careers →Christina M.
Wilmington • Christiana Care
"Small state means everyone knows everyone. Built great professional relationships quickly."
2024-11
Robert J.
Dover • Private Practice
"No state income tax means my paycheck goes further. Great cost of living too!"
2024-10
Samantha B.
Rehoboth Beach • Beach Practice
"Seasonal beach town practice is perfect. Busy summers, relaxed off-season pace."
2024-09
Delaware dental assistants earn an average of $47,110 annually ($22.65/hour). Entry-level positions start at $38,000-$43,000, while experienced DAs earn $50,000-$57,000. Wilmington area pays highest due to Philadelphia metro influence. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Yes, Delaware requires dental assistants to register with the Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene. Registration requires completion of an approved program or DANB certification. EFDA credentials require additional approved training.
EHired's free online program can be completed in 4-8 weeks at your own pace. Delaware registration requires proof of training plus radiography certification (DANB RHS exam). The complete process typically takes 2-3 months from start to employment.
Positive outlook with 6% projected growth through 2034. Delaware's small size (550 dental practices) creates a manageable job market, while proximity to Philadelphia expands opportunities. The 20.1% population over 65 (highest on this list) drives dental service demand.
Yes! EHired's training is completely free. You pay for Delaware Board registration ($50), DANB RHS exam ($250), and any optional certifications when ready. Many Delaware employers reimburse certification costs after hire.
Wilmington and New Castle County lead with $45,000-$53,000 as part of the greater Philadelphia market. Many northern Delaware residents work in Pennsylvania practices with reciprocal opportunities. Beach communities in Sussex County offer competitive wages with lifestyle benefits.
Delaware offers: (1) Small state with close-knit dental community, (2) No state income tax, (3) Proximity to Philadelphia job market, (4) Beach community opportunities in Sussex County, (5) Aging population (20.1% over 65) creating sustained dental demand.
Pennsylvania has different requirements, so direct reciprocity isn't automatic. However, many Delaware dental assistants with DANB certification find Pennsylvania employers recognize this national credential. Verify current Pennsylvania requirements if considering cross-state employment.
Join thousands of Delaware residents who launched their dental assisting careers with our free training.
Enroll Free Today — No Credit Card RequiredDelaware's dental workforce serves approximately 1 million residents through an estimated 550 dental practices across the state's three counties. Despite its small size, Delaware offers diverse dental employment opportunities from urban Wilmington to resort beach communities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Delaware employed approximately 1,800 dental assistants in May 2024, earning a median annual wage of $47,110. This positions Delaware near the national median with competitive purchasing power due to no state income tax.
Delaware's position within the Philadelphia-Wilmington-Camden combined statistical area creates labor market overlap with neighboring states. Many northern Delaware dental professionals can access Philadelphia-area opportunities, expanding career options beyond state borders.
The state's population demographics significantly impact dental demand—20.1% of Delaware residents are over 65, among the highest percentages nationally. This aging population requires increased dental services, particularly restorative and prosthetic care.
Federally qualified health centers including Westside Family Healthcare and La Red Health Center provide dental services to underserved Delaware communities. These employers offer mission-driven work with potential loan repayment benefits.
Sussex County beach communities (Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Bethany Beach) present unique seasonal practice patterns. Summer population swells create increased demand, while off-season offers more relaxed pace—appealing to dental assistants valuing lifestyle considerations.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023; BLS OEWS May 2024; ADA Health Policy Institute; DANB.